Religion, race & rights — Topics

3 Oct 2022

Prevalence of People with Physical, Mental and Intellectual Disabilities

Dr Shahira Abdullah asked the Minister for Social and Family Development for the total number and prevalence rate of people with physical, mental, and intellectual disabilities, broken down by age.
The Minister responded that the latest disability prevalence estimates come from the 2020 Census, which used internationally recognized guidelines from the Washington Group on Disability Statistics.
The census data collected for the first time the proportion of persons unable to perform or having significant difficulty with at least one basic activity of living.
The questions in the census did not use the term “disability,” so the data covers a broader group than definitions used in Singapore’s Enabling Masterplans.
The Minister provided the census data across different age groups, though the specific figures were not included in the provided speech excerpt.

Summary written by AI

Overview Original source

3 Oct 2022

Practice of Allocating by Ethnic Group Public Holidays for Gazetting

The Minister explained that Singapore’s public holiday configuration has been unchanged since 1968, when the government reduced holidays after British withdrawal and consulted religious groups to reach a consensus.
Each religious community made concessions: Muslims gave up Prophet Muhammad’s Birthday and an extra Hari Raya Puasa day, Christians dropped the Saturday after Good Friday and Easter Monday, and Hindus chose Deepavali over Thaipusam.
Buddhists were not asked to give up Vesak Day as they had only one public holiday initially.
The current arrangement reflects these compromises and maintains balance among ethnic and religious groups, continuing the sensible approach established over five decades ago.

Summary written by AI

Overview Original source

3 Oct 2022

Installation of On-demand Audible Traffic Signals at Pedestrian Crossings

The Minister for Transport announced that 1,300 pedestrian crossings (20%) currently have audio signals operating from 7am to 9pm, with plans to add 160 more and upgrade 460 to allow activation after hours for visually impaired users.
By the third quarter of 2025, 325 crossings in 10 towns will feature 24/7 softer locating tones to help visually impaired pedestrians identify crossings at all times.
The Land Transport Authority has collaborated with the Ministry of Social and Family Development to implement these inclusive features while balancing noise concerns for nearby residents.

Summary written by AI

Overview Original source

3 Oct 2022

Inclusion of Mental and Intellectual Disabilities in Employment-related Programmes for Persons with Disabilities

The Open Door Programme and Enabling Employment Credit are available to persons with intellectual disabilities and autism, but those with other mental health conditions are directed to other agencies for employment support.
The government acknowledges the wide spectrum of mental health conditions and customizes support based on individual needs, with some requiring special work arrangements.
An Interagency Taskforce on Mental Health and Well-being is examining ways to strengthen support, reduce stigma, and improve employment prospects for persons with mental health conditions.

Summary written by AI

Overview Original source

3 Oct 2022

Review of Licensing Regulation for Senior Drivers to Ensure Road Safety

Seah Kian Peng asked whether the government will consider revising the "no age limit" rule for driving licences and setting a maximum age for licence renewal, with exceptions based on medical advice or a safety driving test.
Zhulkarnain Abdul Rahim suggested imposing a maximum age limit or enhanced medical examinations every two years for Class 3 drivers to improve road safety.
K Shanmugam stated that drivers aged 65 and above must pass a medical examination every three years for Class 2 and 3 licences, with no maximum age, while heavy vehicle drivers face a 75-year age limit and annual revalidation.
The government aims to balance road safety and seniors' mobility, and will continue monitoring and reviewing the regulations.

Summary written by AI

Overview Original source

3 Oct 2022

Update on Forward Singapore Plans

The Deputy Prime Minister provided an update on the Forward Singapore exercise, a national conversation to refresh Singapore’s social compact across themes of opportunities, assurances, and solidarity, with public engagements planned over the next few months.
He welcomed public participation through various formats and said the exercise aims to complete by mid-next year, inviting Singaporeans to co-develop and implement solutions.
Ang Wei Neng asked if the repeal of Section 377A would be discussed in the exercise and if a White Paper would summarize feedback after its completion.
The Deputy Prime Minister responded that Section 377A was addressed separately before Forward Singapore began but all feedback would be considered, and the government would decide on suitable platforms like a White Paper or Budget 2024 to compile and respond to views.

Summary written by AI

Overview Original source

13 Sep 2022

Publication and Distribution of Future Care Planning Playbook

Ms He Ting Ru asked when the Future Care Planning Playbook will be finalized and published and how the Ministry plans to distribute it.
The playbook is being developed by SG Enable with Social Service Agency partners to help caregivers create future care plans for family members with disabilities.
It is expected to be ready by 2024 and will be made available online.
Disability Social Service Agencies will be trained progressively on how to use the playbook.
The playbook aims to facilitate earlier conversations on life choices and support long-term planning for caregivers and persons with disabilities.

Summary written by AI

Overview Original source

13 Sep 2022

Criteria for Caregivers of Mentally Disabled Persons to Qualify for Concessionary Levy or Grant

Murali Pillai proposed adjusting the criteria for caregiver concessionary levies to include persons assessed as significantly mentally impaired, regardless of their ability to perform Activities of Daily Living.
The current system grants concessions based on the need for assistance with at least one Activity of Daily Living, which can include cognitive impairments requiring supervision or assistance.
A person with cognitive impairment may still perform ADLs but need help or supervision, and can be assessed by a registered therapist to qualify for the levy concession.
Assessment is conducted using MSF’s Client Assessment Form at specific service providers, and the result can be submitted for eligibility.
The response indicates the existing framework already considers cognitive impairments, so adjustments may not be necessary if assessments appropriately capture mental impairment impacts.

Summary written by AI

Overview Original source

13 Sep 2022

Additional Places Offered by New SPED Schools under Enabling Masterplan 2030 Recommendations

He Ting Ru asked the Ministry of Education about the number of additional student places from new Special Education schools under the Enabling Masterplan 2030.
Chan Chun Sing responded that five new SPED schools will be established by 2030, adding approximately 1,400 places for students.

Summary written by AI

Overview Original source

13 Sep 2022

Progress on Measures to Achieve United, Caring and Inclusive Society in Singapore

The government is advancing initiatives to foster unity, care, and inclusion through deliberate measures like integrated housing, schooling, and national service, which are bearing fruit and creating daily opportunities for Singaporeans to interact and understand one another.
Recent surveys and programs, such as the Singapore Kindness Movement and SG Cares, show growing neighbourly relations and volunteerism, with over 30,000 volunteers serving 240,000 beneficiaries since 2018, while efforts continue to bridge social gaps and expand circles of care.
The Forward Singapore exercise seeks to refresh the social compact through collective action involving government, community, businesses, and residents, building on experiences from COVID-19 and initiatives like the Alliance for Action to uplift low-wage workers and strengthen civic culture.

Summary written by AI

Overview Original source

13 Sep 2022

Study into Demand and Models for Adult Disability Care Services

Gerald Giam asked about the terms of reference and completion timeline for a study on long-term demand and service models for adult disability care, specifically noting the shortage of Day Activity Centre places.
Masagos Zulkifli stated that as of July 2022, 80% of DAC places were occupied and that funding had been increased to improve staffing and care quality.
The Minister highlighted new models being trialed, such as the Enabling Services Hub offering adult activities and respite care, to address current and future needs.
He explained the longer-term study under the Enabling Masterplan 2030 aims to anticipate changes from population aging and smaller families to better plan future care services.

Summary written by AI

Overview Original source

13 Sep 2022

Malay University Applicants Enrolling in Courses with Lower Cut-off Points Despite Qualifying for Those with Higher Cut-off Points

The Ministry does not track whether applicants enrol in courses with lower indicative grade profiles than their academic results, as Autonomous Universities publish reference data to guide choices based on aspirations and strengths rather than just cut-offs.
The debate highlighted that while Malay applicants’ enrolment patterns in less competitive courses were queried, no comparative data with Chinese and Indian applicants is available or collected.
The focus of the response was on enabling informed decision-making by students rather than monitoring course selection based on academic eligibility.

Summary written by AI

Overview Original source

13 Sep 2022

Encouraging Government Agencies to Hire More Qualified Persons with Disabilities

Leon Perera asked the Prime Minister about the percentage of public officers with disabilities, plans to encourage more hiring of qualified persons with disabilities, and specific measures to promote diversity and equality.
Chan Chun Sing responded that as of end-2021, about one in 430 public officers are persons with disabilities, and the Public Service is committed to supporting their employment in meaningful roles.
The Public Service Division has partnered with SG Enable to advertise suitable job opportunities on SG Enable’s job portal and, since 2019, regularly introduces potential job seekers with disabilities to HR teams across the Public Service to encourage active consideration for job placement.

Summary written by AI

Overview Original source

13 Sep 2022

Set-up and Sustainability Plans for Enabling Business Hubs

The first Enabling Business Hub (EBH) pilot is expected to be operational next year in the West region, with plans to set up a few more EBHs across Singapore after gaining experience from the pilot.
Each EBH will hire persons with disabilities directly and train others for employment, contributing to the target of a 40% employment rate for persons with disabilities by 2030.
Staff at EBHs will be trained in areas such as understanding disability types, disability etiquette, communication, and job interviews through providers like the Enabling Academy and NCSS’ Social Service Institute.
The total capacity and exact number of EBHs in the scaled-up phase will depend on the pilot outcomes, but the focus is on expanding support for persons with disabilities needing customized work support.
MSF and SG Enable will collaborate with service providers having the necessary expertise to train and place persons with disabilities in employment.

Summary written by AI

Overview Original source

12 Sep 2022

Reasons Commercial and Institutional Building Owners Not Tapping On Accessibility Fund for Barrier-free Access

Building owners are not tapping the Accessibility Fund mainly due to cashflow concerns from expensive works like lift installation and space constraints in older buildings.
The Building and Construction Authority has enhanced the fund to offer interim payments for lift projects over $200,000, allowing owners to claim up to 70% of funding during construction.
To speed up upgrades, BCA will require owners of larger non-barrier-free commercial and institutional buildings to add basic accessibility features during any addition or alteration works starting early 2023.

Summary written by AI

Overview Original source

12 Sep 2022

Lowering Qualifying Age for Lease Buyback Scheme in Special Cases

Murali Pillai proposed lowering the Lease Buyback Scheme's age criterion from 65 for disabled owners facing job insecurity who would benefit from earlier flat monetisation.
The Minister explained the 65-year age aligns with CPF payouts to ensure seniors receive monthly CPF payments post-LBS.
HDB has shown flexibility by allowing exceptions for those with long-term medical costs and financial struggles, including the disabled facing employment challenges.

Summary written by AI

Overview Original source

12 Sep 2022

Care Options for Adults with Developmental Disabilities Accompanied by Serious Psychotic or Behavioural Problems

Ms Ng Ling Ling asked about care options for adults with developmental disabilities who have serious psychotic or behavioural problems, making them ineligible for Adult Disability Homes, and whether respite care can be considered for senior caregivers.
Masagos Zulkifli acknowledged caregivers' challenges and highlighted that SG Enable can refer them to Home-Based Behavioural Intervention Services (HBIS) to support positive behavior and provide respite.
Caregivers are also encouraged to use community support networks like CaringSG and caregiver-led initiatives, with resources available in SG Enable's Enabling Guide.
The Ministry will continue reviewing services and building providers' capabilities to support caregivers, while emphasizing the importance of emotional support from family and community.
The government calls for collective action in extending help and listening to caregivers to support those caring for loved ones with disabilities.

Summary written by AI

Overview Original source

12 Sep 2022

Care Options Within Community to Give Respite to Caregivers

Dennis Tan Lip Fong asked the Minister for Social and Family Development about additional respite options and support for caregivers of persons with disabilities in the community.
The Minister outlined existing respite care options, including Special Student Care Centres, Day Activity Centres, and short-term residential care at disability homes, as well as financial support like the MDW levy concession and the Home Caregiving Grant, which will increase to up to $400 monthly in 2023.
Under the Enabling Masterplan 2030, the government will pilot Enabling Services Hubs to provide drop-in respite care and social activities for persons with disabilities, freeing up caregivers during the day.
The government will continue working with social service agencies and stakeholders to enhance respite options and support for caregivers as part of building an inclusive society.

Summary written by AI

Overview Original source

2 Aug 2022

Percentage of Female Employees in Companies Offering Flexible Work Arrangements

Louis Ng asked whether companies offering flexible work arrangements have more female employees, if the data exists, and why if not.
The Ministry of Manpower stated that companies with flexible work arrangements have an equal proportion of male and female employees.
The Ministry emphasized that flexible work arrangements benefit all employees regardless of gender and help companies attract and retain talent.
Tripartite Partners encourage the widespread provision of flexible work arrangements at all workplaces, irrespective of gender composition.

Summary written by AI

Overview Original source

2 Aug 2022

Current Life Expectancy by Racial Groups

Hazel Poa asked the Minister for Health for the current life expectancy figures by racial groups in Singapore.
Ong Ye Kung responded with 2021 data showing life expectancy of 84.3 for Chinese, 79.4 for Malay, and 81.311 for Indian residents.
The Minister explained that life expectancy is influenced by factors like disease prevalence, chronic conditions, and lifestyles.
He stated that the Ministry of Health will collaborate with other agencies and social organizations to improve these social determinants.
The goal is to sustain increases in life expectancy over time for all ethnic groups in Singapore.

Summary written by AI

Overview Original source